Who we are and what we do!

Our Team

Chris Carlson, Manager of Conference Services and Event Facilities
Chris' responsibilities include Conference Services, Venue (facility) Rentals, and Bar Service operations, which are coordinated more particularly by our team members listed here. 
ext. 1454
 
Christi McClellan, Conference Services Coordinator
Christi serves as the conference coordinator handling all aspects from planning to billing for Sewanee's summer programs. She has vast experience in the administration of events and much more, most recently having worked for the Dean of the School of Applied Computational Sciences, Meharry Medical College, and various Departments and Colleges at The Pennsylvania State University for 23 years before then. 
ext. 1124
 
Susan Mason, Venue Rentals and Bar Services Coordinator
Susan coordinates the University's rental venues for private events and also coordinates the University bar services. Susan has worked in conferences since 2012, and she continues to assist in that area as well. 
 
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Our Mission 
In support of the University Purpose, the mission of Conference Services is to provide exceptional service to the program directors and participants of conferences hosted by the University, as well as for the staff involved in supporting the programs and for the wider University community. Specifically, this means arranging lodging, dining, and meeting spaces, and closely monitoring those services throughout each program, providing 24/7 accessibility to ensure the best possible experience. 

Our Goals

  • By providing a positive experience for each visitor that our programs welcome, attract future students to Sewanee. 
  • Contribute to the academic mission of the University with annual revenues earned.
  • Coordinate with Campus Partners to make conferences a positive experience for them and the University community. 

Provide professional and compassionate support for the program directors, sharing their goals and assisting them to lead successful programs.

Consider the potential impact of the programs on campus life and coordinate to make the best experience for Campus Partners, the Sewanee community, and the program participants.

How we achieve our goals.

  • Employ staff who are kind, service-oriented, and enthusiastic ambassadors for Sewanee; work together as a supportive team. 
  • Develop relationships with program directors and campus partners; knowing their goals and challenges helps us provide the best possible service. 
  • Constantly develop expertise in our field, keeping up with best practices, and improving our skills through training, experience, and detailed records of lessons learned. 

  • Stay vigilant about anticipating needs and problems with close attention to detail.

  • Use all available resources including industry-tested software and University technology to provide excellent, professional service.